Friday Q&A with Mississippi State writer Michael Bonner

AUBURN – Mississippi State beat writer Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger was nice enough to take time this week to field some questions previewing the game between Auburn (2-1, 0-1 in Southeastern Conference) and Mississippi State (2-1, 0-1 in SEC) at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday (6:30 p.m., ESPN2).

1. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott has obviously been impressive in the first three games of the 2015 season as anybody would expect from the preseason All-Southeastern Conference first team selection. Prescott is averaging 302 yards per game. However, I asked this of MSU head coach Dan Mullen Wednesday but I’d like to get your perspective on your impression of why Prescott is averaging just eight rushing attempts per game. Are defenses taking that element away or is MSU trying to preserve him from injury?

MB: "I think it’s a combination of a number of things. The biggest reason for Prescott’s lack of carries this year is his offensive line. It just hasn’t been very good. There aren’t any holes to run through. It’s the same reason why, MSU hasn’t run the ball well as a team. The second factor is Prescott isn’t trying to run as much. He’s more comfortable this year reading the defense and opting for his third or fourth option rather than running. I also think defenses are aware of his rushing ability, but the opportunities just haven’t been there. He ran more against Southern Miss than he did last year. The game situation (down 14-0) didn’t allow for MSU to run. Certainly, he didn’t need to run against Northwestern State."

2. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhet Lashlee have both mentioned how familiar they are with MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz was coordinating the defense for Louisiana Tech last year when they faced Auburn and had solid results when he faced a Cam Newton-led offense in his first tour of duty at MSU. In his first stint at MSU, Diaz relied on exotic blitzes and speed. What have you seen with the adjustments he’s made through three games?

MB: "Manny Diaz inherited a very good defensive line. Through three games this season, he’s relied on the line to create pressure and stop the run. He abandoned Geoff Collins’ “1A and 1B” defense from last year. The starters play more. As the season progresses it’s likely more and more players will rotate in. Diaz has said a number of times, the team in September won’t match the team in November."

3. Are concerns with MSU’s offensive line overblown or do they have a problem up front either protecting Prescott or establishing a run game? With Auburn struggling to find a pass rush without the services of Carl Lawson, could this be the game that MSU’s offensive line gains some confidence?

MB: "Mississippi State is solid in the interior of the line. The problems emerge on the outside. Against elite pass-rushers, Mississippi State may not have the talent to block them without the help of a back or a tight end. Without Lawson, MSU should be able to provide Prescott with protection and holes for the running backs. Don’t be surprised if you see some breakdowns though."

4. Okay, let’s address the kicking game. We know MSU has a long-range field goal kicker (Devon Bell) and a short-range field goal kicker (Wesley Graves) who is a perfect 4 for 4 this season. Have you been able to pin down what is the furthest yardage that Mullen feels comfortable using Graves?

MB: "Dan Mullen said that he’s comfortable with Westin Graves from inside 43 yards. Graves hit a 43-yarder against LSU with plenty of room to spare."

5. Despite him saying Auburn giving Sean White his first career start Saturday doesn’t change his game plan, do you get the sense that MSU will treat the early part of this game like a season opener and expect to adjust as the game goes along?

MB: "I expect the game plan to be similar to the one implemented against LSU. Mississippi State wants to shut down the run and force the quarterback to win the game. The Bulldogs let Leonard Fournette beat them in the first half. They couldn’t rebound. As for Auburn, Manny Diaz said it doesn’t matter who they play, their key to every game is to stop the run."

6. Any injuries or positional changes that you’ll be monitoring Saturday night?

MB: "Long snapper Winston Chapman is out for the year with a torn ACL. Hunter Bradley will handle the long snapping the rest of the season. The only other injury involves Kendrick Market. MSU’s starting safety said he would play this weekend after missing last week’s game with a foot injury."

7. Any final thoughts or predictions?

MB: "Mississippi State’s starters have played their best in their last four quarters (second half against LSU and first half against Northwestern State). Prescott is 33 of 43 for 474 and three touchdowns during that time. The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 50-13 in those four quarters. I think Mississippi State is playing its best football of the season, while Auburn isn’t and starting a new quarterback. I’d give the Bulldogs an edge in the game."